Santiago Muñoz Fernández

Update of the Consensus Statement of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology on the management of biologic therapies in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Objective To provide a reference to rheumatologists and to those involved in the treatment of RA who are using, or about to use biologic therapy. Methods Recommendations were developed following a nominal group methodology and based on systematic reviews. The level of evidence and grade of recommendation were classified according to the model proposed by the Center for Evidence Based Medicine at Oxford. The level of agreement was established through Delphi technique. Results We have produced recommendations on the use of the seven biologic agents available for RA in our country. The objective of treatment is to achieve the remission of the disease as quickly as possible. Indications and nuances regarding the use of biologic therapy were reviewed as well as the evaluation that should be performed prior to administration and the follow up of patients undergoing this therapy. Conclusions We present an update on the SER recommendations for the use of biologic therapy in patients with RA.

Documento SER de consenso sobre el uso de terapias biológicas en la espondilitis anquilosante y otras espondiloartritis, excepto la artritis psoriásica

OBJECTIVE Due to the amount and variability in quality regarding the use of biologic therapy (BT) in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA), except for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients, the Spanish Society of Rheumatology has promoted the generation of recommendations based on the best evidence available. These recommendations should be a reference for rheumatologists and those involved in the treatment of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA), except for psoriatic arthritis (PsA), who are using, or about to use BT. METHODS Recommendations were developed following a nominal group methodology and based on systematic reviews. The level of evidence and grade of recommendation were classified according to the model proposed by the Center for Evidence Based Medicine at Oxford. The level of agreement was established through Delphi technique. RESULTS We have produced recommendations on the use of BT currently available for SpA (but not PsA) in our country. These recommendations include disease assessment, treatment objectives, therapeutic scheme and switching. CONCLUSIONS We present an update on the SER recommendations for the use of BT in patients with SpA, except for PsA.

Consensus Statement of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology on the management of biologic therapies in Spondyloarthritis except for Psoriatic Arthritis

Abstract Objective Due to the amount and variability in quality regarding the use of biologic therapy (BT) in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA), except for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients, the Spanish Society of Rheumatology has promoted the generation of recommendations based on the best evidence available. These recommendations should be a reference for rheumatologists and those involved in the treatment of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA), except for psoriatic arthritis (PsA), who are using, or about to use BT. Methods Recommendations were developed following a nominal group methodology and based on systematic reviews. The level of evidence and grade of recommendation were classified according to the model proposed by the Center for Evidence Based Medicine at Oxford. The level of agreement was established through Delphi technique. Results We have produced recommendations on the use of BT currently available for SpA (but not PsA) in our country. These recommendations include disease assessment, treatment objectives, therapeutic scheme and switching. Conclusions We present an update on the SER recommendations for the use of BT in patients with SpA, except for PsA.

Recomendaciones de manejo de la gripe A (H1N1) en pacientes reumáticos con inmunosupresión

The Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER), through a multidiscipline task force, has elaborated a document with specific recommendations for specialists in Rheumatology, emphasizing the special needs of patients with rheumatic diseases, with the objective of informing and orienting health professionals about the current influenza A/H1N1 virus pandemic. All of the recommendations are based on prior documents elaborated by the Ministry of Health and Social Policy task forces, as well as those from the autonomous communities, which are themselves based on the guidelines and documents routinely published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the US, this being the center designated by WHO for the coordination of efforts against the pandemic. All rheumatologists and potential users of these recommendations are encouraged to consult the original documents, as well as the general guidelines established at each health center.

Recommendations for the management of influenza A (H1N1) in rheumatic patients with immunosuppression

The Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER), through a multidiscipline task force, has elaborated a document with specific recommendations for specialists in Rheumatology, emphasizing the special needs of patients with rheumatic diseases, with the objective of informing and orienting health professionals about the current influenza A/H1N1 virus pandemic. All of the recommendations are based on prior documents elaborated by the Ministry of Health and Social Policy task forces, as well as those from the autonomous communities, which are themselves based on the guidelines and documents routinely published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the US, this being the center designated by WHO for the coordination of efforts against the pandemic. All rheumatologists and potential users of these recommendations are encouraged to consult the original documents, as well as the general guidelines established at each health center.